We monitor the human rights situation in Tunisia closely. The UK urges the Tunisian Government to respect the principles and values of an open and democratic society at every available opportunity. Most recently, the Minister of State for the Middle East, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, reiterated this message during his meeting with the Tunisian Foreign Minister on 4 May. The UK also coordinates with likeminded partners on how to collectively address human rights. For example, Lord Ahmad's statement of 18 April on the arrest of Rached Ghannouchi reflected an international alignment of views on the case.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1211", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sutton Coldfield"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Andrew Mitchell"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-07-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-07-10T15:11:53.763Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "208"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-07-04", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Tunisia: Human Rights"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with (a) the government of Tunisia and (b) other international partners on the human rights situation in that country.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4797", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for James Murray"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ealing North"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "James Murray"} ], "uin" : "192443"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1623899", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1623899/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
On 18 April, the Minister of State for North Africa, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon made clear the UK's view that the recent wave of arrests and restrictions on political opposition in Tunisia are eroding the space for political plurality, and urged the Tunisian Government to respect the principles and values of an open and democratic society. Lord Ahmad also raised our issues over the arrests directly with Tunisian Chargé d'Affaires on 23 February, as did His Majesty's Ambassador to Tunisia with Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar on 23 February. The UK believes in the importance of space for legitimate political opposition, civil society, strengthening human rights and including all voices in building resilient and successful democracies. The UK is a constructive partner to Tunisia, and we will continue to raise these important issues with the Tunisian authorities at every available opportunity. Imposing sanctions is one response among other diplomatic tools and we will continue to consider a range of approaches to tackle human rights issues. The UK Government does not speculate on future designations. We continue to monitor the political and human rights situation in Tunisia closely.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4210", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-05-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-05-12T11:25:54.643Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "208"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-04-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Tunisia: Human Rights"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the human rights violations in Tunisia; what representations they have made to the government of the Republic of Tunisia about the detention of political prisoners, including the former Speaker, Rached Ghannouchi; whether they plan to take action against any individuals involved in these violations and, specifically, to enact targeted sanctions against Kais Saied (President of the Republic), Leila Jaffel (Minister of Justice), Imed Memmich (Minister of Defence), Kamel Feki (Minister of the Interior) and former ministers, Taoufik Charfeddine and Ridha Gharsallaoui, as requested by Tunisia\u2019s democratic opposition.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4905", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Hannan of Kingsclere"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Hannan of Kingsclere"} ], "uin" : "HL7434"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1611660", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1611660/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
We monitor the political and human rights situation in Tunisia closely. The UK Government has made its views clear, calling for space for legitimate political opposition, civil society and independent media in light of recent developments. On 18 April, the Minister of State for North Africa, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon made clear the UK's view that the recent wave of arrests, including of Rached Ghannouchi, and restrictions on political opposition in Tunisia are eroding the space for plurality, urging the Tunisian government to respect the principles and values of an open and democratic society. Lord Ahmad also reiterated this message during his meeting with the Tunisian Chargé d'Affaires on 23 February. The UK is a constructive partner to Tunisia, and we will continue to raise these important issues with the Tunisian authorities at every available opportunity.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4033", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for David Rutley"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Macclesfield"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "David Rutley"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-04-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-04-24T15:12:30.333Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "208"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-04-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Tunisia: Human Rights"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the human rights situation in Tunisia.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4603", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Preet Kaur Gill"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Birmingham, Edgbaston"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Preet Kaur Gill"} ], "uin" : "181204"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361502", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1361502/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The UK is closely monitoring the situation in Tunisia. We believe that the solution to Tunisia's challenges can only be achieved through the principles of democracy, transparency, human rights, and free speech. We call on all parties to uphold Tunisia's reputation as a tolerant and open society and to protect the democratic gains of the 2011 revolution. I [Minister Cleverly] spoke to Tunisian Foreign Minister Jerandi on 11 August and on 23 October - confirmation required from desk. G7 Ambassadors in Tunis, led by the UK, issued a joint statement on 6 September setting out our joint position - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/g7-ambassadors-in-tunisia-issue-joint-statement-6-september-2021#:~:text=Foreign%20affairs-,G7%20Ambassadors%20in%20Tunisia%20issue%20joint%20statement%3A%206%20September%202021,remain%20central%20to%20our%20relationships.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4366", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for James Cleverly"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Braintree"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "James Cleverly"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-10-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "58749"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-10-25T16:26:56.37Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "208"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-10-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Tunisia: Human Rights"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the safeguarding of human rights and democratic progress in Tunisia.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1447", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrew Rosindell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Romford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Andrew Rosindell"} ], "uin" : "58750"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1001926", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1001926/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Commission was established with a fixed term mandate in a 2013 law. In May, the Tunisian Government gave the Commission an extension until the end of this year in order to give additional time for the Commission to file its final report. We support Tunisian justice and reconciliation, but it is for the Tunisian Government and people to determine the best way to achieve this.\u200b<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1201", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Alistair Burt"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North East Bedfordshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Alistair Burt"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-11-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-11-15T16:05:40.763Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-11-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Tunisia: Human Rights"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of Tunisia on the closure of its Truth and Dignity Commission; and what steps he is taking to encourage that Government to fulfill its promises of justice for victims of human rights abuses under the previous regime.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1536", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Emily Thornberry"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Islington South and Finsbury"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Emily Thornberry"} ], "uin" : "188040"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/874791", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/874791/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
As of Monday 9 April 2018, members of the Tunisian parliament continue to discuss proposals to extend the mandate of the Truth and Dignity Commission. A consensus has not yet been reached, but I am encouraged by the statements of many of the parties involved, including those in government, reiterating their support for the transitional justice process. Our Embassy in Tunis will continue to follow developments.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1423", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Boris Johnson"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Uxbridge and South Ruislip"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Boris Johnson"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-04-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-04-16T16:21:55.937Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-03-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Tunisia: Human Rights"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Written Answer of 26 March 2018 to Question , what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the prospects for transitional justice in Tunisia of the vote by that country\u2019s Parliament on 27 March against extending the mandate of the Truth and Dignity Commission.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1536", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Emily Thornberry"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Islington South and Finsbury"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Emily Thornberry"} ], "uin" : "135092"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/867575", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/867575/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Truth and Dignity Commission is in the process of extending its mandate to 31 December 2018, and has started submitting cases of human rights violations to the newly created transitional justice chambers. This is an important step. I have made clear to the Tunisian Foreign Minister, including on his visit to London last October, the UK\u2019s support for Tunisia as it continues on its path of reform since the 2011 revolution.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1423", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Boris Johnson"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Uxbridge and South Ruislip"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Boris Johnson"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-03-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-03-26T14:32:13.967Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-03-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Tunisia: Human Rights"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the progress by Tunisia\u2019s Truth and Dignity Commission; and what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in Tunisia on the work of the Truth and Dignity Commission.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1536", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Emily Thornberry"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Islington South and Finsbury"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Emily Thornberry"} ], "uin" : "133550"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/867576", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/867576/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Truth and Dignity Commission is authorised by the Tunisian transitional justice mechanism to refer cases involving perpetrators of human rights abuses to the transitional justice chambers for prosecution. The Tunisian Government has committed itself to establishing a Dignity and Rehabilitation Fund to provide reparations to the victims of abuses, and is considering funding options.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1423", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Boris Johnson"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Uxbridge and South Ruislip"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Boris Johnson"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-03-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-03-26T14:28:54.033Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-03-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Tunisia: Human Rights"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Tunisian authorities in (a) prosecuting perpetrators of human rights abuses identified by Tunisia's Truth and Dignity Commission and (b) providing reparations for the victims of such human rights abuses.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1536", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Emily Thornberry"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Islington South and Finsbury"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Emily Thornberry"} ], "uin" : "133551"} ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 8, "type" : ["http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint", "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"]} }